Game and practice goal and playing field

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a three-dimensional goal structure comprised of two congruent, generally horizontally-oriented hoops, which are adjoined to three equally spaced vertically oriented goal posts. This solid tubular frame structure has three distinct outside openings, and one circular basket-like opening at its top. The openings in the tubular framework are separated from one another by netting or the like, so that a game ball or similar sized object may not easily pass into one opening without being stopped from exiting via an adjacent opening.  
     Also included herein are an elliptical open playing field, which provides a central-opposing power scheme, and a method of quickly and easily laying one out. The goals of the present invention are positioned generally at the center of the respective sides of the field, thereby making at least two goal openings accessible from any position on the field

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a game or practice goal, more particularly a three-dimensional, throwing or kicking, game or training goal having at least two, and preferably three, generally vertical and planar scoring surfaces, and at least one circular generally horizontal scoring basket, and an elliptical playing field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background Information

[0003] In general, open-field team ball sport, such as soccer, football, hockey, lacrosse, and to a lesser degree basketball, are played by two opposing teams on an open, generally rectangular playing field having two single-plane goals or baskets located on opposite sides of the field. This creates an opposite-opposing power scheme. Players attempt to advance a game ball, puck, or the like across the playing field and into the opposing team's goal or basket in order to score points, the object being to score more points than the opposing team in an allotted time frame or to an allotted number of points.

[0004] Problems with such sports include crowding of players in front of the goal, aggressive physical contact, large playing areas, large teams and large goal structures.

[0005] A new sport, Socci, has been invented, which differs from open-field team ball sports as herein described. The sport of Socci is played by two teams of players on an elliptical field of play divided into halves by a midfield line. Each half-oval side of the field has at its approximate center a three-dimensional goal according to the present invention. The goal has at least two, preferably three, generally vertical and planar scoring surfaces, and at least one, and preferably only one, generally horizontal basket. The sections within the goal are demarcated by netting or the like.

[0006] In contrast to other open-field team ball sports, which have a solitary goal into which the ball must be played in order to score, the sport of Socci has multiple scoring surfaces, which afford players more scoring opportunities. This creates a central-opposing power scheme, rather than the opposite-opposing power scheme of traditional open-field team ball sports. Additionally, the central-opposing power scheme of the present invention has both generally vertically-oriented goals and a horizontally-oriented goal basket, and a lower ratio of players per goal, thereby decreasing crowding and further increasing scoring opportunities.

[0007] Also, the present invention encompasses a multi-faceted goal structure with preferably four separate and distinct scoring planes, and the total square foot area of all four scoring planes is comparable to the scoring area provided by a single conventionally-sized goal. This allows the opposing goals in Socci to be positioned a closer proximity to each other without undesirably diminishing the challenge of scoring.

[0008] Furthermore, when oriented in the manner herein described, the multi-faceted goals of the present invention have: forward facing goal surfaces that are accessible from the center of the field; opposite facing goal surfaces that are accessible from the backfield; and horizontal basket that are accessible from any position on the field. Since the ball can be hit into at least one substantially vertical goal surface and the substantially horizontal basket from any point on the playing field, an abundance of scoring opportunities are provided. Scoring into this variety of surfaces requires strategy and different athletic skills.

[0009] Consistent with the degree of difficulty represented by each goal planar surface, striking the more accessible forward facing goal planar surfaces counts one point, while striking the less accessible and more risky opposite facing goal planar surfaces counts two points. In the latter case, the Socci player must advance behind the opposing team's goal with the ball and risk shooting it toward or into a team's own goal. Although the baskets are accessible from anywhere on the field, the Socci ball must be either lobbed, or the ball must be kicked into the basket from above the height of the basket in order to score. Lobbing the ball into the basket requires that the ball be first kicked away from the target in order the then fall into the target basket. Kicking the ball into the basket requires greater skill and dexterity. Therefore, and in order to further promote finesse over force, hitting the basket counts three points.

[0010] Although the specific goal structure and power scheme described herein are unique to the new sport of Socci, the goal of the present invention can be used to play many other sports and games, as well as training for existing sports. For instance, a larger, similarly-shaped goal structure could be used to play a three-dimensional soccer alternative, “Socci soccer.” Similarly, a smaller or larger version of the goal described herein can be used to play “Socci handball”, “Socci-hockey”, or “Socci-Frisbee.” The goal of the present invention conveys the advantages described herein to those games, too. Also, the goal of the present invention can be used to practice skills for other open-field sports.

[0011] Although conventional playing fields are rectangular in shape, Socci is preferably played on an oval-shaped playing field. Unlike a rectangular-shaped field, an oval-shaped field has no dead corners, and promotes the circulation of players, especially around the circular, multi-plane goal of the present invention.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a three-dimensional game or practice goal structure.

[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a playing field which when set up as described herein creates a central-opposing power scheme.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a three-dimensional goal structure comprised of two congruent, generally horizontally-oriented hoops, which are adjoined to three equally spaced vertically oriented goal posts. This solid tubular frame structure has three distinct outside openings, and one circular basket-like opening at its top. The openings in the tubular framework are separated from one another by netting or the like, so that a game ball or similar sized object may not easily pass into one opening without being stopped from exiting via an adjacent opening.

[0015] Also included herein are an elliptical open playing field, which provides a central-opposing power scheme. The goals of the present invention are positioned generally at the center of the respective sides of the field, thereby making at least two goal openings accessible from any position on the field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an is a perspective view fo a goal according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a top view of an is a top plan view of a playing field according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an is a perspective view of two goals on a playing field showing their orientation on the playing field according to the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an is a perspective view of a goal according to the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the goal according to the present invention.

[0022] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will not be described.

[0024] goal 10

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game and practice goal 10, also referred to herein as target structure. goal 10 is comprised of two similarly-sized, spaced-apart, generally horizontally-oriented hoops. A lower hoop 50 rests on a ground surface. It is parallel to an upper hoop 14 above it. The hoops are adjoined by three generally vertically oriented poles 16, which are separated by equal distances from each other along the circumferences of upper hoop 14 and lower hoop 50. upper hoop 14 and lower hoop 50 are preferably circular, of the same diameter, and congruent.

[0026] In FIG. 1, the goal 10 is shown concentrically located within a goal circle 52. The framework, which includes hoops 14, 50, and poles 16, is preferably constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing with a diameter of two inches. Other tube diameters may be used. Other suitable materials, such as metal or wood, may also be used. Goal circle 52 is painted or otherwise marked on the playing area.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 at least two adjacent, generally vertical and planar scoring surfaces or openings, including front goal openings 58 and back goal opening 60, fall within the area defined by lower hoop 50, upper hoop 14 and poles 16. At least one generally circular and horizontally oriented top hoop opening 48 is adjacent to and above the vertically oriented front goal openings 58 and the back goal opening 60. The circumference of the basket is defined by the upper hoop 14. The tubular framework of goal 10 defines the three distinct vertically oriented openings 58, 60, as well as the generally horizontally-oriented top hoop opening 48.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, for illustrative purposes, a second target structure on the playing field 64 is referred to as the opposing goal 24. The opposing goal 24 is substantially identical to goal 10. opposing goal 24 also has poles 16. Additionally, opposing goal 24 also has generally vertically oriented front goal openings 58, a back goal opening 60, and top hoop opening 48 as shown. The opposing goal 24 is concentrically located within opposing goal circle 54. FIGS. 1 through 3 show the open-faced target framework and game field of the present invention. For use in a game or for practice, a goal 10 will include netting 62, which separates the front goal openings 58, back goal opening 60, and top hoop opening 48 from one another.

[0029] Field of Play

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the playing field 64 includes an elliptical, or oval, shaped field boundary 38, goal circle 52, opposing goal circle 54, goal circle center point 40, opposing goal circle center point 56 midfield points 42, midfield line 44, and goal point lines 46. Goal circle center point 40, opposing goal circle center point 56, and midfield points 42 define a diamond-shaped configuration, which is illustrated in FIG. 2 by hidden lines 66. Hidden lines 66 outline two congruent and equilateral triangular areas 68

[0031] Field of Play With Goals

[0032]FIG. 3 shows goal 10, opposing goal 24, and a playing field 64, and their relative orientation to each other. As seen in FIG. 3, the playing field 64 includes an oval-shaped field boundary 38, goal circle 52, opposing goal circle 54, midfield points 42, midfield line 44, and goal point lines 46. Goals 10 and 24 are concentrically positioned inside circles 52, 54 respectively. Goals 10, 24 are rotated about their respective center points 40, 56, such that each has one pole 16 at its closest proximity to a pole 16 of its companion target structure. Goal 10 will have one of its' three generally vertically-oriented target structure openings, back goal opening 60 here, facing directly away from opposing goal 24 and two target openings, front goal openings 58 here, facing toward midfield points 42. Generally horizontally-oriented top hoop opening 48 appears at the top of the goal 10. Opposing goal 24 will have the same orientation to goal 10 as goal 10 has to opposing goal 24.

[0033] When positioned relative to each other such that each target structure has one vertically oriented target opening oriented directly away from the other target structure. The other two target openings, front goal openings 58 will be in a generally forward-facing position. Since the front goal openings 58 will be accessible from a larger portion of the field, conversely the opposite facing, back goal opening 60 will be accessible from a smaller portion of the field.

[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, netting 62 hanging within the goal 10 divides the three vertical target openings, front goal openings 58, back goal opening 60, and top hoop opening 48 from the remainder of the goal 10. The netting 62 hangs loosely on the ground. When the goal 10 is in use, a game ball strikes the netting 62 and bounces off or is caught in the target structure.

[0035] Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of a goal 10 is illustrated. Here, the top hoop opening 48 has netting 62 in a funnel-shape. The netting 62 is attached to and hangs from the bottom of the upper hoop 14. A two inch mesh flexible, strong, durable net is preferred. The net portions 70 dividing the three target openings 58, 60 extend down from the basket net to the ground. Each of the same net portions 70 are attached at their outside edges to the three poles 16. In the game of Socci, points are scored each time the ball touches the net or ground inside the target structure.

[0036] From the foregoing it can be realized that the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized as a target or goal 10 in various team sports as well as individual exercises. It is to be understood that any dimensions given herein are illustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.

[0037] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person's product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention.

[0038] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0039] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

[0040] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A three-dimensional, game or practice goal, comprising: a. At least two similarly-sized, spaced-apart, generally horizontal and parallel hoops, a lower of the hoops resting on a ground surface; b. At least two adjacent, generally vertical and planar scoring surfaces within an area defined by the two hoop; and c. At least one generally circular and horizontal scoring basket adjacent to and above the planar scoring surfaces, the circumference of the basket being defined by an upper on of the hoops.
 2. An oval-shaped playing field, comprising: a. An oval-shaped field boundary; b. A midfield line dividing the oval-shaped field boundary into halves; and c. A goal circle positioned generally in the middle of one half-oval side of the field; and d. An opposing goal circle positioned generally in the middle of the other half-oval side of the field; and e. Goal point lines connecting the goal circles to the field boundary. 